Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions You Might Need Answered
The Studio & Logistics
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The studio is located on the corner of Wake Forest Rd. and Glascock St. in the Mary Elizabeth Hospital. It was built in 1920 and is known as a Raleigh Historic Landmark. The hospital has been converted to office space and primarily features health and wellness practitioners. The facility is fully accessible and designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs. The building includes elevator and lift access to all levels, as well as restrooms equipped with accessibility features for comfort and convenience. My space also features a waiting area if you need to accompany a minor.
I am located at 1100 Wake Forest Road in the Mordecai neighborhood just north of downtown Raleigh.
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Parking and the main entrance are located behind the building. You may enter the parking lot via Glascock Street or Lafayette Road.
There are two buildings that share the lot. I am located in the larger of the two buildings, to the left. The main entrance is at the back of the building, adjacent to the parking lot.
The main doors are locked at all times. You will receive a text 15 minutes before your appointment time to check in and a code to access the building.
From there, come in and have a seat in the main waiting area. I will come down to get you.
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Yes, of course. All are welcome here! Be your most authentic self and I will use the name and pronouns you tell me. If those change, simply let me know.
Confidentially is important to me. I will not share your information. Everything said at the studio, stays at the studio.
Session Etiquette & Prep
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The studio is intended to be all-inclusive to your experience. I offer complimentary beverages and snacks, robes and slippers, fresh linens, and all products used during our session.
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Please arrive about 10-minutes early for your first appointment. This gives you time to settle into the space, use the bathroom, have some tea or water and not feel rushed. This will also give us time to talk before your appointment and go over your intake form together.
I really enjoy getting to know who you are as a person, and I customize each session to your individual needs each and every time you visit.
It’s important to arrive on time or a few minutes early each time so that there is time to touch base on any changes to your health history and understand your goals for each session.
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When you enter the building there will be a comfortable waiting room on the entrance floor. Feel free to have a seat and get comfortable. I will be with you momentarily to greet you and help you get acquainted with the space and show you to the treatment room.
First and foremost: There is no need to feel nervous. It’s totally normal to feel a little unsure before your first treatment. I am here to create a safe, professional, and healing space for you.
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You'll undress to your comfort level, but you will always be fully covered with a sheet and blanket during your treatment, and only the area being worked on will be uncovered (this is called "draping"). I also offer a robe and slippers if you need to use the restroom or move about the space.
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Try to drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before and after your treatment, and avoid eating a large meal right before your session.
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If it’s your first massage, facial or lymphatic drainage session
Areas you'd like to focus on or avoid
If you have any injuries, sensitivities, or health conditions
If receiving a body treatment, your preferred pressure (light, medium, firm)
Booking & Cancellations
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No. While I understand the convenience of insurance coverage, I choose not to bill insurance for a variety of reasons. Insurance billing is complicated and limited. Being a "self-pay" practice allows clients the freedom to choose the frequency of care that fits their needs, while allowing me the time to focus on each appointment without distractions.
I, however, do accept HSA and FSA. I recommend checking with your provider first to see if they cover my services. Some of my clients choose to seek reimbursement from their insurance provider. For those clients, I can provide a receipt with all appointments and fees. -
In the event that you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, I ask that you please give at least 24 hours notice before the beginning of your appointment or you may be charged a cancellation fee of $50.
Session Features
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Personalizing your session is an important part of your wellness experience. Many of our herbal and modality enhancements are included at no additional cost, allowing you to intuitively tailor your treatment. A few specialty enhancements may have a small added fee, which will be clearly noted during the booking process. All enhancements are thoughtfully integrated into the duration of your chosen session. Some enhancements are best suited to specific core treatments—if you're unsure, simply ask. We’re here to help you create a session that supports your unique needs and intentions.
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"Lymphatic Drainage Massage" is a bit misleading. Using the pressure needed to perform massage is actually too much to stimulate the lymphatic system.
While you will see "Lymphatic Drainage Massage" a few places on my website, it is to help people looking online for this service. The correct term is Manual Lymphatic Drainage.Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light, repetitive manual technique that follows the specific pathways of the lymphatic system.
When searching for lymphatic drainage services, be sure to seek out Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapists.
Certified MLD therapists play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being through our specialized skills and knowledge. We undergo extensive training that equips us with the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and the lymphatic system. This training ensures I can effectively perform the techniques required for MLD while understanding individual client needs.
The certification of MLD therapists is vital for ensuring safe, effective, and personalized care. It not only enhances the therapeutic outcomes for clients but also fosters confidence in the healing process.
I am certified in MLD through The Academy of Lymphatic Studies and have advanced lymphatic training through ASTECC.
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For optimal results, I advise patients to schedule 1 to 2 lymphatic drainage massages within the 2 to 4 days leading up to their procedure.
Patients are usually cleared for lymphatic massage 7 to 10 days after surgery by their physician. I recommend continued care until swelling and healing is complete. Length of continued care is dependent on procedure and the individual's needs. -
No. It is a gentle, non-invasive, pain-free healing modality. This technique is more about gentle skin stretching in order to open superficial lymphatic capillaries for drainage. Unlike traditional massage, it focuses on improving lymphatic flow rather than applying deep pressure.
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Lymphatic drainage can help with:
Lymphedema, Fibromyalgia, Lipedema, Arthritis, Headaches, Migraines, Stress, Anxiety, Post Surgical and Postpartum Swelling, Sports Injuries, Auto-immune Disorders, Mold Exposure, Inflammation, Chronic Pain, Pregnancy, and Hormonal Changes i.e. PMS, Perimenopause, Menopause. -
My practice uses the brands In Fiore, Laurel Whole Plant Organics, Linné Botanicals and Wildling Beauty. They are all small batch and clean, meaning the nutrients in the products are alive and vibrant, delivering potent vitamins, minerals, hydrators, and lipids to the skin without the need for extra stabilizers and inactive filler that most mass-produced skincare lines use. These products focus on supporting the baseline functions of the skin while actively repairing and preventing damage and imbalance.
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Your facial will include:
Deep cleanse, lymphatic drainage, acupressure, muscle sculpting, tension release, dermal rehydration.
Depending on your skin type, goals, and the amount of time we have, you will also receive a combination of the following advanced treatment modalities:
LED light therapy, cryotherapy, gentle or advanced exfoliation, custom blended masks, Gua Sha, facial cupping and an herbal foot bath if requested.
The more time you book, the more we can achieve.
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This depends on your skin goals. To maintain a healthy glow and keep the skin regenerating at an optimal rate, coming in every 6-10 weeks is ideal. If you are trying to manage an active skin disorder, every 4-8 weeks until managed.
Additionally, some people come in seasonally, as needed, or before a special event. There is no wrong amount of my skin services you could receive. Get in touch with me to come up with a personalized treatment plan.
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Your daily at-home skincare has the biggest impact on your topical skin health, so it’s very important you are using the right products. Instead of the standard product shaming or converting, I use my skin and product education to collaborate with you and fill the gaps in your routine. I prefer to use a mix of the skincare I offer at my studio and the skincare you already use and love.
Personal Assistance
Need more personal assistance? Please feel free to email me at lisacordia@icloud.com to ask me more personal questions or have any concerns addressed. I am always here to help you navigate this process, and truly look forward to serving you.
